City in Brief

The City Council approved the $6,000 purchase of an intoxilyzer at a council meeting on Tuesday night.

Police Chief Steve Butell said the intoxilyzer would allow the city to test drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol. First-time offenders would be booked at the Baldwin City Police Department and stand trial in municipal court which was previously done at the Douglas County Jail in Lawrence.

"It would help us save time and bring in revenue to run them through municipal court," Butell said.

Butell said most of the DUI arrests made in Baldwin are of first-time offenders. Suspected juvenile offenders and habitual offenders would still be booked at the jail.

Court fines would provide a revenue source. Butell estimates that fines from a dozen DUI arrests would pay for the intoxilyzer.

Four Baldwin City officers are already trained to use the intoxilyzer.

Council to consider

removal of house

The council has set a public hearing at 7:30 p.m. Monday to consider condemning a house damaged by fire at 1018 Eighth Street on Sept. 4.

City inspector Jim Tarwater said the house was damaged beyond repair and is sitting on an unstable, stone foundation. He recommended the house be removed as soon as possible.

Garbage burning

banned by city

Council members approved amending the city's burn ordinance.

Under the changes, the burning of garbage and the burning or burying of construction materials within the city limits is no longer allowed.

The burning of leaves, grass and limbs less than four inches in diameter is still allowed between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Those planning to burn are asked to notify the city's public works office prior to burning.

Fireworks code

updated by city

The council also amended its ordinance relating to the sale and shooting of fireworks.

The ordinance sets the hours of 10 a.m.-11 p.m. for the shooting of fireworks July 2-4. The location of a fireworks stand, parking and storage area will have to be approved by the city. Fireworks stands will have to close by 9 p.m. (instead of 10 p.m.). Fireworks stands will have to prominently display the time and dates fireworks are allowed to be shot in Baldwin City.

City auditor

approved

The City Council approved spending up to $9,900 to hire Schehrer, Bennett & Lowenthal to conduct the 2000 audit.